rhizoverbBeta
DictionarysakePurpose or benefit
noun

sake

SAYK/seɪk/

The purpose or benefit for which something is done.

The parent brings medicine through heavy rain for the sick child's sake.

A parent endures heavy rain to bring medicine to a sick child, making the child's benefit the visible reason for the action.
Etymology
sakeOld Englishlegal cause, dispute

Old English sacu meant a legal cause or dispute. The modern purpose or benefit sense survives chiefly in phrases such as “for someone's sake,” meaning “out of regard for”; these constructions were probably modeled on Norse.

In context

Economics Explained12:39
and both examples are starting with $10,000 for simplicity's sake.
How The Dutch Economy Shows We Can't Reduce Wealth Inequality With Taxes | Economics Explained
Sounds American2:02
For the sake of compromise, you can call the /j/ a semivowel.
Consonant Sound / j / as in "yes" – American English Pronunciation

More examples

  • We stayed together for the children's sake.
  • For safety's sake, check the lock again.
  • He agreed for the sake of peace.

Forms

sake

Similar words

benefit
Emphasizes the good received rather than the broader purpose.
purpose
Emphasizes intention rather than the beneficiary of an action.